Abstract: A suture anchor for securing soft tissue to bone may include a threaded body, a head extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of eyelets that extend though the anchor head and that are each configured to receive a suture. The eyelets are offset from one another along an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the suture anchor. Each eyelet may have a desired shape and cross section. Surgical kits including one or more suture anchors and one or more surgical tools are also described.

Abstract: A method for processing CT colonography input image voxel data representative of 3-dimensional images of a colon having gas and stool tagged with stool tagging agent, to remove the stool from the images. The input image voxel data is generated by an imaging instrument having a characteristic point spread function representative of instrument blurring. The point spread function of the instrument can be empirically determined, and the image data processed as a function of the point spread function to accurately identify and remove the tagged stool. In one embodiment of the invention, portions of the image data representative of the tagged stool and colon tissue are dilated as a function of the point spread function.

Abstract: A medical device includes a pulse generator, a lead, and an electrode. The lead includes an electrode and a lead conductor connecting the pulse generator with the electrode via first and second conductive paths. The medical device includes first and second switches. The first switch includes a non-conductive state in the presence of a magnetic field, the non-conductive state preventing formation of the first conductive path between the pulse generator and the electrode. The second switch includes a non-conductive state that prevents formation of the second conductive path between the pulse generator and the electrode. The first switch in the non-conductive state and the second switch in the non-conductive state electrically shields the electrode from electromagnetic radiation and induced voltages during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure.

Abstract: Systems according to embodiments of the present invention include a core adapter module configured to receive reservation information from a reservation system in a first format useable be the reservation system, a web service module configured to identify a provider system based on the reservation information and to place the reservation information into a second format useable by the provider system, and a distribution module configured to send the reservation information in the second format to the provider system. Methods according to embodiments of the present invention include receiving reservation from a reservation system in a first format useable by the reservation system identifying a provider system based on the reservation information, processing the reservation information to place the reservation information into a second format useable by the provider system, and sending the reservation information in the second format to the provider system.

Abstract: A medical device having at least one glass coating between a first and second component. The glass coating forms a portion of a strong, hydrothermally stable joint between components or provides insulation, or tailors an impedance and/or capacitance of an electrode.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 30% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in assisting a human heart are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aortic compression means which may be fully implanatable, a fluid reservoir and a pump means adapted to pump a fluid from the reservoir to the aortic compression means so as to actuate the aortic compression means at least partly in counterpulsation with the patient's heart. In addition, the device is adapted to be wholly positioned within the right chest cavity of the patient. The aortic compression means of the device may be curved along its length so as to substantially replicate the curve of the ascending aorta.

Abstract: Methods and devices for interconnecting a medical lead conductor member and an electrode are provided. One device includes a medical lead having a shaft. The shaft has a conductor member extending therethrough and a ring electrode disposed along the shaft. The ring electrode has a fixation device disposed within the ring electrode, and the fixation device forms an interference fit with the conductor member, forming an electrical contact therebetween. Also provided are methods for forming an electrical interconnect between a ring electrode and a conductor member.

Abstract: A method includes sandblasting an electrode surface, applying a conductive oxide precursor solution to the electrode surface, and heating the electrode for at least 5 minutes at a temperature between 350 degrees C. and 550 degrees C. to convert the precursor solution into an oxide coating. One method includes applying a composite material including a conductive component and a non-conductive component to an electrode and curing the composite material to form a coating on the electrode. One method includes providing a metallic oxide coating on an electrode surface and applying a galvanostatic treatment to the electrode to increase the effective surface area of the metallic oxide coating.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for a chair includes a mounting member connected to the chair. The mounting member has an upper base. A first horizontal slide element is slidably mounted to the upper base and is adjustably slidable in a first direction with respect to the upper base. The first slide element is restrained after adjustment with respect to the upper base by frictional engagement between the upper base and the first slide element. A second horizontal slide element for slidably mounting to the first slide element is slidable in an arcuate path crossing the first direction. The second slide element is restrained after adjustment with respect to the first slide element by frictional engagement between the second slide element and the first slide element.

Abstract: A bone screw driver (12) for inserting a bone screw (14) into a bone region (218A) includes a driver shaft (12B) that selectively engages the bone screw (14). The bone screw (14) includes a screw threaded region (14A) and a screw engagement region (14B). The screw engagement region (14B) includes a screw shaft (14D) and an engager ring (14E). The driver shaft (12B) includes a shaft aperture (322), a first resilient member (324A), and a first shaft projection (326A). The shaft aperture (322) receives at least a portion of the screw shaft (14D), the first resilient member (324A) engages the screw shaft (14D) to inhibit movement of the screw shaft (14D), and the first shaft projection (326A) engages the engager ring (14E) so that rotation of the driver shaft (12B) results in rotation of the bone screw (14).

Abstract: An improved money transfer system includes a rules database, a customer database, and a transaction processing system. The rules database includes information representative of transaction rules, at least some of which include an aggregation threshold. The customer database includes information representative of customers' transaction histories. The transaction processing system is connected to the rules database and customer database and includes point of entry ports, a customer identifier, a rules coordinator, an aggregation engine, and a transaction rules service. The point of entry ports receive transaction requests from points of entry and provide transaction responses to the points of entry. Based on information received in transaction requests, the customer identifier identifies customers and the rules coordinator determines applicable transaction rules. The aggregation engine determines aggregation values as a function of customers' transaction histories.

Abstract: A system and method for rating the validity of multiple data processing algorithms A1-An on a set of multi-dimensional input data I where P1-Pn is the output data produced by the competing algorithms. Processing steps include: (1) computing the Fourier Transform or the phase congruence of the input data I, (2) computing the Fourier Transform or the phase congruence of the output data P1-Pn, (3) computing the phase of the data computed at step 1, (4) computing the phases of the data computed at step 2, and (5) computing a similarity metric, such as the normalized cross correlation of each phase computed at step 4 with the corresponding phase computed at step 3. The similarity metrics computed at step 5 can be ordered to provide a ranking of the algorithm validity.

Abstract: A method includes sandblasting an electrode surface, applying a conductive oxide precursor solution to the electrode surface, and heating the electrode for at least 5 minutes at a temperature between 350 degrees C. and 550 degrees C. to convert the precursor solution into an oxide coating. One method includes applying a composite material including a conductive component and a non-conductive component to an electrode and curing the composite material to form a coating on the electrode. One method includes providing a metallic oxide coating on an electrode surface and applying a galvanostatic treatment to the electrode to increase the effective surface area of the metallic oxide coating.

Abstract: The present invention is device for delivering an electrode into a lateral vein of the coronary sinus. The device includes a support structure, a stent, a tether coupled to the stent and a removable sheath disposed about the stent. The stent is carried on the support structure and is deployable from a first collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration for engaging the inner walls of the selected vessel. The sheath is sized to retain the stent in the first collapsed configuration. The electrode is carried on the stent or on a lead threaded over the tether.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode.

Abstract: A self-sealing window with a flexible gasket that extends around the entire perimeter of closure assemblies and a method of installing such closure assemblies in a rough opening. A sealing member is attached continuously around an entire perimeter of the closure assembly to form a water impermeable seal between the sealing member and the closure assembly. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening. Accurate positioning of the closure assembly in the rough opening is verified. The closure assembly is secured in the rough opening. The sealing member is engaged with an exterior surface of the structure proximate the rough opening. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening.

Abstract: A device for crimping an implantable device or a part thereof between a radially expanded condition and a radially contracted condition, includes first and second annular bodies arranged about a common axis, and a ring-like array of linear crimping elements having respective opposite ends linked to the first and second annular bodies, respectively. These annular bodies are relatively rotatable around the common axis between a first position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a wider orifice for receiving a device to be crimped, and a second position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a narrower orifice.

Abstract: A process and system for depicting a combination of process colors and spot colors on a radiant light source such as a computer monitor screen. The invention provides a user-definable “meta-ink” color which is made up of the components of the process colors and the spot colors. Shade values are assigned to each of these components to create the meta-ink color. This meta-ink color then replaces the document color for visual depiction on the radiant light source. This process and system provides a more accurate depiction of the representation of the printed image.

Abstract: A humeral component, forming a first articulating surface, and an ulnar component forming a second articulating surface adapted to be disposed around a part of the first articulating surface and to pivot about its longitudinal axis. This ulnar component is provided with structure for mounting a locking element which forms a third articulating surface extending the second and adapted likewise to be disposed around a part of the first surface. These mounting structure comprise guiding structures adapted to cooperate with complementary structure provided on the locking element in order to guide this element in translation with respect to the ulnar component, up to a position where blocking structure provided respectively on the locking element and on the ulnar component may be employed to immobilize this element on this component, these blocking structure being able to be employed only in this position.